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Editor’s note: Two thumbs up for Godiva Chocolatier, former mayor Tom McMahon, Yesid Gomez and Wilfer Buitrago for their efforts to help beautify the City of Reading.

The pursuit to restore one of Reading’s most unique sculptures is gaining momentum through private donations and the efforts of two artists.

GoggleWorks artists Yesid Gomez and Wilfer Buitrago have obtained the first financial contributions for the dove sculpture in Reading’s City Park, a project that could cost up to $40,000.

“I read the article about the artists working on the dove in the summer,” said Justin Burford, a human resource assistant at Godiva Chocolatier in Exeter Township. That triggered discussions with Godiva coworkers and the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts about fundraising for the project.

“We thought this would be perfect unifying point for our Cultural Awareness Day,” Burford said of Godiva workers.

On a bright summer day in a nearly deserted park, two men stand in the shadow of a crumbling statue.

Pointing at the flaking, cracked concrete and graffiti that cover the dove sculpture in City Park, they recoil in disgust.

“Look at this,” said artist Yesid Gomez. “This is an embarrassment. Whose fault is this? It is our fault for letting it look like this.”

Gomez and his cousin, Wilfer Buitrago, examine the statue, taking measurements and noting the damage that it has sustained over the years. Shaking their heads, they said they feel ashamed to see the dove in such poor condition.